Madagascar president sworn in amid boycott

Madagascar’s new president was sworn in as leader of the island nation today in a ceremony shunned by the international community after the ousting of the elected president.

Thousands of supporters turned up at a sports stadium in the capital Antananarivo for the swearing in of Andry Rajoelina, although African countries have refused to accept him as president.

Radio stations broadcasting the ceremony live across the Indian Ocean island said no foreign diplomats attended.

Former president Marc Ravalomanana resigned last Tuesday and placed power in the hands of the army. Within hours, the military announced Rajoelina as the country’s new president.

Rajoelina accused Ravalomanana of misspending public funds and undermining democracy. He promised new elections within two years.